Salmonella in North Carolina and E. coli in Texas Updates

WNCN reports that a Salmonella outbreak stemming from a Fayetteville hotel has now reached 70 possible cases, 12 of which are out of state. The Cumberland County Department of Public Health says 70 people have reported signs or symptoms consistent with salmonella infections. Five people have been hospitalized.

All seem to have eaten at the All American Sports Bar and Grill and The Café Bordeaux within the Holiday Inn Fayetteville – Bordeaux on Owen Drive. The hotel’s General Manager Scooter Deal said the first 14 reported cases were all staff members at the hotel, including himself.

The health department and the North Carolina Division of Public Health continue to ask individuals who consumed food or beverages at the Holiday Inn Fayetteville – Bordeaux since May 1 and then developed symptoms within three days of that visit to call the county Health Department at (910) 433-3638.

Texas:

WTAW reports that the Brazos County Health Department reports the source of 10 recent E. coli infections was ground beef served at a local restaurant. However, the Department has not yet named the restaurant.

Investigators believe five confirmed cases and five probable cases made up an isolated incident and is not an ongoing threat to public health. It is not known if the cause was due to improper temperature, improper cooking, or cross-contamination.

The health department says the unidentified restaurant has been fully cooperative during the investigation. Control measures have been implemented to prevent further cases including, mandatory glove use by employees and continuous monitoring by the health department.